Gold Coast Marathon 2025 Preview: Where Running Builds a Home - Run.JPG's GC SKWAD

Meet Run.JPG's GC SKWAD, a running group turned family, sharing blood, sweat and tears as they gear up for the Gold Coast Marathon 2025 in July

PHOTO VIA HIBSHAMIR IBRAHIM

Once considered a lonely sport, running has since shed that reputation. Today, it’s where many find a sense of belonging—a home away from home.

With the ASICS Gold Coast Marathon now on the horizon, Jolly Pace Group—better known as Run.JPG—is in full swing preparing for race day. Founded in 2019, the group recently formed a dedicated subgroup aptly called the GC SKWAD. 

What began as a solo goal for Run.JPG co-founder Hibshamir Ibrahim—to qualify for the Boston Marathon through his timing at the Gold Coast Marathon—soon grew into something much bigger: a tight-knit group that some GC SKWAD members now proudly call family.

Now about 20 runners strong, it's the camaraderie and shared commitment among the Gold Coast-bound group that has carried them this far since signing up for the marathon.

PHOTO VIA HIBSHAMIR IBRAHIM

“I realised how much support the JPG community has been giving me virtually throughout my major races. That inspired me to bring that energy offline and create an opportunity for others. So, I thought, why not bring a group down to Gold Coast Marathon, an event where everyone has a great chance to achieve a personal record? That’s how the GC SKWAD was born,” he shared.

“Everyone pushes each other, and there’s this friendly “baiting" that happens where people encourage one another to take on challenges they might not have considered before, like running a full marathon. Training together, sharing the journey, and crossing the finish line makes the experience way more meaningful.”

What makes them even more admirable is that, for most of the squad, the Gold Coast Marathon will either be their first full 42.2km race or their first overseas run. Hibshamir—better known as Hibs—has been spearheading the group’s logistics, training programs, and overall experience, a responsibility he considers an honour.

For the first-timers, staying disciplined and juggling between training, work, and well—life, has all been a challenge, but the shared goal of crossing that finish line has above all, brought unity.

PHOTO VIA HIBSHAMIR IBRAHIM

“It’s been tiring, but everyone’s showing up not just for themselves, but for each other. It’s about the friendships, the discipline, and the collective energy that’s built around a single purpose,” he gushed about the squad.

“Over the last few months, the bonding and shared experiences have naturally built a strong kampung feeling within the group. Checking in on each other’s progress, encouraging one another, and sharing both struggles and wins has become part of our routine.”

Priscilla Chan, who is part of the GC SKWAD, shared the same sentiments as her teammate. An avid runner, Priscilla is no stranger to overseas marathons, and even has a few World Marathon Majors in the bag, but nothing has created an impact on her quite like the GC SKWAD.

PHOTO: RUN.JPG / KYLE FLORES

“For sure, it’s created such a strong sense of community! It honestly feels like more than just any other running group. It feels like home and they feel like a family.”

“Honestly, having a community makes a huge difference when you're training for an endurance sport. It keeps you motivated, makes the tough days easier, and just reminds you that you’re not in it alone. It’s way more fun doing it with people who get what you’re going through.”

PHOTO: RUN.JPG / KYLE FLORES

And once it’s all said and done, the GC SKWAD are all set for a well-deserved celebration in Surfer’s Paradise. With run-cations becoming the latest trend, there are few better places in the world to celebrate post-marathon than the golden shores of the Gold Coast.

Sure, it may be a race set in the Australian winter, but that’s not stopping the GC SKWAD from looking forward to visiting the various beaches dotted along the coast. After all, how often do Singaporeans get the chance to splash around in the ocean?

“I know it’s going to be cold, but I can’t wait to go to the beach after the race. I just love the beach. I’m also hoping to do some cafe hopping—and maybe even go skydiving if there’s time,” shared Priscilla excitedly.

PHOTO VIA HIBSHAMIR IBRAHIM

Similarly, Hibs will be looking to make the most of the Pacific coast to recharge, after close to three years of chasing his goal.

“Since we’re overseas, we’re treating this trip not just as a race, but also as a bit of a retreat, a chance to relax, recharge, and enjoy some downtime with the group. It’s important to balance all the hard work with some quality rest and fun moments together before heading back refreshed and ready for the next challenge,” he explained.

“We're really excited about the whole race experience and the activities happening throughout the week. I want to make sure the GC SKWAD runners get to fully immerse themselves in the race week atmosphere just like I’ve always experienced in other races. It’s about more than just the marathon day, it’s the build-up, bridging the gap with other crews, and all the moments that make the trip unforgettable.”

All slots for the full and half marathons, 10KM and 5KM have sold out, but runners can still enter via charity slots. If you wish to experience the magic of running the white beaches of Gold Coast, sign up here.

#GCM2025 #RunGoldCoast